DATASOURCES: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched in December 2016 and complemented by other sources.

STUDYSELECTION: RCTs investigating the use of rhEPO in preterm infants versus a control group were selected if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal and reported neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 24 months’ corrected age.

RESULTS: Four RCTs, comprising 1133 infants, were included in the meta-analysis. Prophylactic rhEPO administration reduced the incidence of children with an MDI <70, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.51 (0.31–0.81), P < .005. The number needed to treat was 14. There was no statistically significant effect on any secondary outcome.

Conculisons: Prophylactic rhEPO improved the cognitive development of very preterm infants, as assessed by the MDI at a corrected age of 18 to 24 months, without affecting other neurodevelopmental outcomes. Current and future RCTs should investigate optimal dosing and timing of prophylactic rhEPO and plan for long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up.